Are you a busy mom looking for a quick dinner option that your family will love? This Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti is the perfect solution. With minimal ingredients and just a few steps, you can serve up a deliciously creamy dish that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Let’s turn a hectic evening into a cozy family meal.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti works wonders for families. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a handful of common ingredients. Cooking takes about 20 minutes, which means you can whip it up even on the busiest nights. Plus, the comforting flavors of garlic and cheese create a hit that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
The best part? This recipe leaves room for variations, so you can customize it based on your family’s tastes. You’ll have a delightful meal on the table with minimal prep and cleanup.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
Prepare the garlic sauce: In a large skillet, heat unsalted butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add cheese and pasta water: Lower the heat, then add the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheeses melt and combine into a creamy sauce. Add the reserved pasta water gradually, stirring to adjust the sauce’s consistency to your liking.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the cheesy garlic sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti
A quick and delicious Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti that is perfect for busy nights and the whole family will love.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat unsalted butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and golden brown.
- Lower the heat, then add the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheeses melt and combine into a creamy sauce. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, stirring to adjust the sauce’s consistency to your liking.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the cheesy garlic sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For added heat, consider sprinkling some red pepper flakes into the garlic sauce. You can also customize with different cheeses or add vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
How to Serve
Serve this Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti as a main dish with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables on the side. It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread for a complete Italian-themed meal. Consider adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for extra protein to keep everyone full and satisfied.
How to Store
Storing leftovers is easy. Allow the spaghetti to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. For reheating, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk if the sauce thickens.
Tips and Variations
- For a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when making the garlic sauce.
- Use whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier twists or substitute gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.
- Consider adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition. Just sauté them with the garlic for a few minutes before adding the cheese.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite cheeses, such as cheddar or gouda, to create a unique flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegetarian since it’s packed with flavors from the cheese and garlic.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just double the ingredients, and use a larger skillet or multiple pans to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Conclusion
Try this Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti for an easy dinner that your family will adore. It’s quick, comforting, and perfect for busy nights. Don’t forget to save this recipe for later, and enjoy a delicious meal together. Happy cooking!
